Germany is one of the few countries globally with a study-friendly climate and is open to international students. This page lists tuition-free universities in Germany for international students who want to study in Germany.
A significant number of colleges in Germany are renowned for providing globally recognized programs at a lower cost than those in the United States, Canada, Australia, and other countries. Germany’s institutions are now well renowned for not collecting tuition fees following government policy. Tuition fees are still charged at certain private institutions in Germany.
Top 10 Best Universities In Germany For International Students
1. Berlin Free University
The Free University of Berlin, or FU Berlin, is one of Germany’s top institutions. It was founded in 1948 as the West Berlin branch of Frederick William University. Its present location is in the capital. It now has over 36,000 students enrolled, with 22 percent coming from outside of Germany.
The Free University of Berlin charges no tuition except for specific graduate programs. It does, however, need a $313 donation. This includes the enrollment/registration cost, student support services, student union membership, and transit tickets.
Biology & Chemistry, Earth Sciences, History & Cultural Studies, Law, Business & Economics, Mathematics & Computer Science, Education & Psychology, Philosophy & Humanities, Physics, Political & Social Science, Medicine, and Veterinary Medicine are the academic departments of FU Berlin.
2. Humboldt University
Humboldt University is a public research university in Berlin’s Mitte neighborhood. Frederick William III created the University of Berlin (Universität zu Berlin) in 1809 on the initiative of Wilhelm von Humboldt, Johann Gottlieb Fichte, and Friedrich Ernst Daniel Schleiermacher, and it opened in 1810, making it the earliest of Berlin’s four institutions.
The University is one of Germany’s tuition-free institutions, known for its wide variety of undergraduate and postgraduate programs in natural sciences, arts, and humanities – and for being one of the top universities in the world. The Humboldt University of Berlin was founded in 1810 and is situated in the Berlin neighborhood of Mitte, with a student population of up to 32,000.
3. Technical University Of Munich
With over 50 Nobel laureates among its graduates, the institution is also connected with significant scientific advances, including discoveries made by Albert Einstein himself.
This institution was founded in 1868 and has since produced around 17 Nobel Laureates as evidence of its research prowess and good education. STEM subjects are one of its competence areas; international students interested in such topics may apply to study tuition-free.
TUM is a technical university that offers programs in Architecture, Aerospace, Engineering, Chemistry, Informatics, Mathematics, Medicine, Physics, Sports & Health Science, Education, Governance, Management, and Life Science.
It is dedicated to research and teaching excellence, multidisciplinary education, and the active development of bright young scientists. The university also maintains close ties with businesses and scientific organizations all across the globe.
This free institution in Germany, like other public universities, receives public financing to provide services to its 32,000+ students, one-third of whom are international. TUM does not charge tuition, but students must pay a semester fee from 62 Euros (in Straubing) to 144.40 Euros (in Munich, Weihenstephan, and Garching).
4. Ludwig Maximilian University Of Munich
The Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich is an essential component of the urban environment with campus locations. Munich is not just Germany’s principal center for higher education and research, but it also has its distinct charm.
The humanities and cultural sciences, law, economics, social sciences, and medical and natural sciences are all represented at LMU Munich. The university is organized into 18 faculties and has one of the best library systems in Germany. LMU’s academic programs emphasize creative thinking, problem-solving, and research.
Since 2013, LMU has been a tuition-free university in Germany, charging only a modest price for some professional or graduate degrees and certifications.
LMU is one of Germany’s foremost universities, with over 34,000 students and 17 percent international students. These students study at the university’s 20 faculties, which include Catholic Theology, Protestant Theology, Law, Economics, Business Administration, Veterinary Medicine, Medicine, History & Arts, Psychology, Philosophy, Culture, Language & Literature, Social Science, Mathematics & Computer Science, Physics, Chemistry & Pharmacy, Biology, and Geoscience & Environmental Science.
5. RWTH Aachen University
RWTH Aachen University is a public research university in the German state of North Rhine-Westphalia. It was founded in 1870 and is one of the largest in the nation. It now has over 45,000 students, with 23 percent coming from outside of Germany.
RWTH Aachen, a free-tuition institution in Germany, only demands a semestral donation of 500 Euros. This is in addition to the 1,000 Euros a month that each student must budget to live comfortably in Aachen.
RWTH Aachen is well-known for its programs in mathematics, natural science, computer science, architecture, civil engineering, mechanical engineering, materials engineering, electrical engineering, information technology, arts and humanities, business and economics, and medicine.
6. University of Bonn
This free German public university, formally known as the Rhenish Friedrich Wilhelm University of Bonn, is rated sixth in Germany. It was established in 1818 and is now based on an urban campus in North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany.
The institution has around 37,000 students, with 13 percent coming from outside of Germany. They are enrolled in the university’s seven faculties divided into Catholic Theology, Protestant Theology, Law & Economics, Medicine, Arts, Mathematics & Natural Science, and Agriculture courses.
The Federal State of North Rhine-Westphalia supports the institution. However, it does charge a modest contributing fee. This monthly payment of 300 Euros includes transportation to Bonn, Cologne, and the surrounding area.
7. Georg August University of Göttingen
Formerly known as the University of Göttingen and Georgia Augusta, it officially opened its doors in 1734. King George II of Great Britain established it to promote the ideal of enlightenment.
This German free university is well-known for its Life Science and Natural Science programs. Still, it also offers degrees in Agriculture, Biology & Psychology, Chemistry, Forest Science & Ecology, Geoscience & Geography, Mathematics & Computer Science, Physics, Law, Social Science, Economics, Humanities, Medicine, and Theology.
The institution now has over 30,000 students and a 13 percent international enrolment rate. Like other public university students in Germany, they just pay a contribution fee of 376 Euros every semester.
8. Cologne University
The University of Cologne was founded in 1798 as the fourth university of the Holy Roman Empire, making it the sixth-oldest in Central Europe. It is also one of the biggest, with 34,500+ students, 18% of whom are international students.
The university, run by the state of North Rhine-Westphalia, is divided into six faculties. The Faculties of Arts & Humanities and Management & Social Sciences have the most students, followed by Mathematics & Natural Science, Law, Medicine, and Human Science. As one of Germany’s finest institutions, it is placed in the top 100 for Life Sciences and the top 150 for Arts & Humanities and Psychology.
The University of Cologne, like other public institutions, is tuition-free. There is, however, a need for students to donate 500 Euros every year. This includes, among other things, a public transportation pass and administrative expenses.
9. University Of Goethe
One of Germany’s open institutions, Goethe University, was established in 1914. With 46,000+ students, Goethe University has one of the largest student populations in Germany, with 16 percent coming from outside the continent. These students are spread throughout the university’s 16 faculties, including Law, Business, Social Science, Education, Psychology, Theology, Philosophy & History, Linguistics, Modern Languages, Geosciences, Computer Science, Physics, Biochemistry, Biology, and Medicine.
This large number of applicants is due to the university’s reputation and its free tuition. Local and international students may study for free here, like most German institutions. The sole charge required every semester is around 370 Euros, covering administrative expenses and specific finances.
Are Germany’s Free Universities Competitive?
In comparison to prominent colleges in Canada and the United States, the answer is no. You should conduct some study on acceptance rates to improve your chances of entering these colleges.
This information on Germany’s Universities with the Highest Acceptance Rates is useful for prospective foreign students interested in studying in Germany. These institutions accept the greatest number of foreign students each year, so if you apply, you will almost certainly have a good chance of receiving a free education in Germany.
How Does the Application Process Work? And what are the prerequisites?
To study in Germany, you must have a high GPA, strong test scores in IELTS or TOEFL, and a German proficiency exam if your degree needs it. Then you must apply by filling out the application form, providing the needed papers, and meeting the qualifying conditions.
Apply to as many institutions as possible to boost your chances, but don’t apply to too many since you won’t be as selective. Around 10-15 is enough for undergraduates, while 5-10 is adequate for Masters and Ph.D.
Conclusion
Germany is the most populated European Union member and the world’s second most popular immigration destination. It is no surprise that Germany continues to grow as one of the most significant countries for international students to study abroad.
It is also worth noting that, even though universities in Germany do not charge tuition, students are nonetheless required to pay some fees, according to the following remark from a credible source.
